Houston, TX Equipment Hauling, Container Delivery & Oversize Load Transport

Get expert guidance and competitive pricing for your heavy haul shipment.

Heavy Haul, Flatbed, Step Deck & Hot Shot Trucking in Houston, Texas

It’s essential to partner with a reliable oversize load hauling company when shipping heavy equipment, trucks, or containers to or from Houston, TX. As a premier provider of heavy haul trucking in Houston, American Heavy Haul has a proven track record of safely moving machinery and freight of all shapes, sizes, and weights. Our focus on safe, insured, and on-time delivery sets us apart from general freight carriers.

We offer a wide variety of equipment hauling and oversize load transport services to and from Houston. Our team of dedicated transportation specialists understands step deck loads, flatbed trucking, and hot shot transport, giving you a single point of contact for all your heavy haul needs. Whether you need local moves around the Houston metro or long-distance transport across the country, we have the trucks, trailers, and experienced drivers to get it done right.

American Heavy Haul provides complete equipment, container, and oversize load transport services to and from Houston, including:

Oversize Load Transport
Port-to-Port Container Transport
Bulk Freight Hauling
Door-to-Door Equipment Delivery
Commercial Machinery Transport
Load Handling Support

Shipping Container Moving
Equipment Hauling Services
Truck & Trailer Transport
Permit Pulling & Escorts
Pilot Car Assistance
And More Equipment Transport

Every customer matters, and so do your shipping needs. That’s why we simplify heavy equipment, container, and truck delivery by handling every step of the process for you — from quoting and scheduling to permits and routing — so you can stay focused on running your business. Our logistics agents coordinate permits, pilot cars, route surveys, and timing to help avoid delays, violations, and unnecessary downtime. Whether you’re an individual moving farm, construction, or industrial machinery, or a company shipping multiple units at once, our B2C and B2B solutions are tailored to your unique requirements. From single-piece moves to ongoing project freight around Houston, we build a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

Simplified Oversize Load Transport Throughout Houston, Texas

At American Heavy Haul, we don’t complicate transport. Your dedicated Houston heavy haul specialist manages every detail of your shipment from start to finish. We secure the oversize load permits, arrange pilot cars when needed, plan the most efficient route, and coordinate with job sites for smooth loading and unloading.

Whether you’re shipping machinery into Houston or hauling a container from Houston to another state, we provide safe, transparent oversize load transport. When you speak with your Houston shipping specialist, they’ll walk you through the process, explain requirements, and answer any questions you have about equipment hauling, flatbed trucking, or hot shot service.

We specialize in moving oversize and overweight loads throughout Houston and the surrounding industrial areas. Your specialist is there to give you confidence that American Heavy Haul is the best partner for your project — from short local moves to complex, multi-axle permitted loads. Don’t delay. Move your equipment to or from Houston with a company that makes it easy from the first call to final delivery. Get your quote now! 419-293-5333

Reliable Houston Shipping Container Transport and Delivery

Shipping container transport and delivery is in high demand in Houston due to the city’s major port activity, oil & gas industry, construction growth, and expanding logistics hubs that rely on both loaded and empty containers. At American Heavy Haul, we provide everything you need for dependable Houston container hauling, whether it’s a one-time move or recurring freight. For years, Houston businesses and residents have trusted us to safely move containers to and from job sites, storage yards, the Port of Houston, and rail ramps. Our drivers and dispatchers understand how to handle container transport efficiently while respecting site rules, timelines, and access limitations throughout the city.

American Heavy Haul offers port-to-business, port-to-door, ramp-to-door, and door-to-door container hauling options. We also ship containers from Houston to destinations across the United States. Our team of specialized haulers knows that safe, on-time delivery is critical, so every container move is carefully planned around clearances, weight limits, and scheduling. Every client receives professional, secure container transport and delivery throughout Houston. Ready to get started? So are we. Call now for your free, no-obligation Houston container hauling quote! 419-293-5333

Speak with a specialized logistics agent today!

Common Container Types We Move

We safely transport standard, high-cube, refrigerated, and open-top containers for projects of all sizes in and around Houston.

Texas Oversize Load Regulations

Texas follows strict legal load limits for all commercial trucks operating without a permit.
Maximum legal width: 8 feet 6 inches
Maximum legal height: 14 feet, consistent with Texas roadway standards
Maximum length:
Single-unit truck: 59 feet
Combination vehicle (tractor + trailer): 65 feet (varies by configuration)
Standard gross vehicle weight (GVW): 80,000 pounds (truck + trailer + load)
Axle weight limits:
Single axle: 20,000 lbs
Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
Tridem axle groups: 42,000–60,000 lbs depending on spacing
Any load exceeding these limits requires a Texas oversize or overweight permit
These rules ensure safe transportation across bridges, highways, ports, and industrial corridors
Following legal limits helps prevent delays, permit violations, and costly fines

Any load wider than 8 feet 6 inches requires an oversize permit issued by TxDOT.
Loads exceeding 12 feet typically require one certified escort or pilot car for safe transport along major highways and port access routes.
When width exceeds 14 feet, Texas may require additional escorts or special routing depending on the corridor and traffic volume.
Loads wider than 16 feet generally require a state police escort and a pre-approved route survey due to lane constraints and overhead structures.
Major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio may apply added width restrictions during peak traffic hours.
Wide loads must display proper Oversize Load banners, warning flags, and amber lighting for visibility.
Drivers must maintain lane discipline and avoid encroaching onto opposing lanes, especially in urban or high-traffic areas.
Texas enforces strict passing-distance and speed-control requirements for all wide-load movements.

Oversize loads must display clear “OVERSIZE LOAD” signage on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
All four corners of the load must carry 18-inch red or orange flags for maximum visibility.
Amber rotating or LED beacon lights are typically required on the tractor and escort vehicles.
Drivers must carry a valid, current Texas oversize permit throughout the trip.
Escort vehicles must meet TxDOT standards, including safety equipment, height poles (when needed), and two-way radio communication.
Loads must be secured with rated chains, binders, straps, and proper tie-down methods based on equipment weight and design.
Drivers must follow the permitted route without deviations. Route changes can result in fines or penalties.
Compliance with these safety rules ensures smooth, safe transport across highways, interstates, and port corridors.

A permit is required when overall vehicle length exceeds 65 feet, including the truck, trailer, and load.

Loads longer than 110 feet usually require one or more escort vehicles to assist with turning, lane changes, and urban navigation.

Superloads exceeding 125 feet may need state police escorts and a TxDOT-reviewed route plan.

Long loads face challenges such as tight urban turns, elevated ramps, and merging lanes across Houston and Texas highways.

Industrial corridors and port access roads may require advance notice due to limited turning radius and high congestion.

Extra attention is needed when hauling extremely long items such as bridge beams, wind turbine blades, oilfield components, and structural steel.

These loads may also face time-of-day restrictions during peak traffic.

Drivers must avoid abrupt braking or sharp steering movements to prevent instability or load shift.

An oversize permit is required for any load higher than 14 feet due to overhead utility lines, bridge structures, and elevated highway sections.
Loads exceeding 16 feet often require a full route survey to check for obstacles such as power lines, low-clearance bridges, tollway overpasses, and port-access structures.
When height surpasses 17 feet, escort vehicles equipped with height poles are typically required to lead the load.
Many Texas cities have older infrastructure or low-clearance industrial zones, making accurate height checks essential before transport.
Extremely tall loads may be restricted from traveling through tunnels, elevated tollways, or downtown interchanges along the Houston metro region.
Drivers must maintain controlled speeds to prevent sway and ensure stability for top-heavy machinery.
Incorrect height measurements may result in delays, costly fines, or required route adjustments from TxDOT.
Following height regulations helps prevent collisions, structural damage, and interruptions to your transport schedule.

Oversize loads in Texas are generally limited to daylight travel only, from sunrise to sunset.
Night travel is prohibited for loads requiring escorts or for extremely large shipments.
Movement may be restricted during periods of heavy congestion, severe weather, low visibility, or flooding, which can occur frequently in the Houston area.
Oversize transport is restricted on major holidays such as New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Weekend restrictions may apply depending on the size and route of the load.
Urban regions including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio may enforce additional peak-hour restrictions.
Extra-wide or escorted loads may require special travel scheduling to avoid high-traffic conditions.
Violating travel-time regulations may result in delays, citations, or permit suspension.

Start Your Shipment Today with American Heavy Haul

Fast response. Expert routing. Fully insured.
Call 419-293-5333 or request a quote below.

24/7 Dispatch Available

Houston, TX Oversize Load Regulations & City-Specific Restrictions

Restricted Areas in Houston

Downtown Houston (Central Business District)

Oversize loads are often restricted during peak commuter hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM, Monday through Friday). Special routing is typically required to avoid congestion, construction zones, tight turns, and multiple low-clearance areas.

Railroad Overpasses and Low-Clearance Structures

Houston has several older or constrained structures that require careful planning. Notable low-clearance points include:
• Navigation Boulevard Rail Crossings
• Waugh Drive Underpasses
• Select areas along US-90 and the East End industrial district

Preferred Oversize Load Routes

I-10, I-45, and I-69 Corridors

These primary interstates through Houston are among the most commonly used routes for heavy haul moves, subject to TxDOT permitting and routing standards.

Sam Houston Tollway (Beltway 8)

Often recommended for oversize loads to bypass downtown congestion and access industrial zones, ports, and logistics hubs across Harris County.

SH-225 (Pasadena Freeway)

A key industrial route widely used for refineries, chemical plants, and oversize loads headed toward the Port of Houston and surrounding complexes.

City Permits and Police Escort Requirements

Local Permits

The City of Houston may require a local oversize permit in addition to the TxDOT permit, especially when navigating non-interstate streets, refineries, port complexes, or job-site access roads.

Police Escort

A Houston Police Department escort may be required if the route impacts multiple lanes, passes near sensitive areas, or includes complex turns along downtown or industrial corridors.

Safe and On-Time Oversize Load Delivery in Houston

For years, American Heavy Haul has provided everything needed for safe and dependable Houston equipment transport. That includes heavy machinery, heavy-duty trucks, loaded and empty containers, and more. Our mission is to deliver high-quality hauling services at competitive rates while keeping your schedule and site requirements in mind. We serve commercial, industrial, and residential delivery points throughout Houston.

Every Houston oversize, overweight, or container move is routed in advance to anticipate tight turns, heavy traffic, construction zones, and low-clearance points. Many of our clients are small and mid-sized businesses that depend on reliable, on-time deliveries to keep projects on track. That’s why American Heavy Haul emphasizes safety, strict compliance with DOT and TxDOT regulations, and clear communication from dispatch to delivery. Transport with a company that treats your freight like its own. Call now for your free, no-obligation Houston heavy haul quote! 419-293-5333

Speak with a specialized logistics agent today!

Why Choose American Heavy Haul for Equipment, Container & Oversize Load Transport

Choosing American Heavy Haul means choosing a team that understands every aspect of Texas heavy haul trucking. From the first consultation to final delivery, we coordinate permits, pilot cars, insurance documentation, route surveys, and scheduling — so you can focus on your operations while we handle the complex details.

With over a decade of experience in heavy haul, flatbed, step deck, and hot shot transport, we combine insured carriers, a nationwide trailer network, and 24/7 dispatch support to deliver dependable, cost-effective, and compliant logistics solutions.

We take pride in being one of the few heavy haul partners serving Houston that offers real-time updates, compliance-focused routing, and wide-ranging regional and national coverage — ensuring your machinery, containers, and project cargo reach their destinations safely and efficiently.

Transparent Pricing

Clear, competitive pricing with no hidden fees.

Licensed & Insured

Fully licensed, bonded, and insured Alabama heavy haul carriers.

ALDOT-Certified Drivers

ALDOT-compliant drivers familiar with every major Alabama interstate and highway.

10+ Years Expertise

10+ years of proven expertise in oversize, overweight, and specialized freight.

24/7 Dispatch & Tracking

24/7 dispatch and shipment visibility for transparent communication.

Nationwide Fleet Network

Nationwide network of flatbed, step deck, RGN, multi-axle, and extendable trailers.

Pilot Car and Escort Vehicle Services

American Heavy Haul provides pilot cars and escort vehicles to guide oversize loads safely in and around Houston, TX. Proper escorts protect your equipment, your driver, and other motorists on the road.

Need pilot cars for your heavy haul? We’ve got you covered with experienced, professional escort partners.

Common Equipment American Heavy Haul Transports

American Heavy Haul specializes in transporting construction, industrial, and oversize equipment across Houston, Texas, and throughout the rest of the United States. Every shipment is managed with safety, timing, and compliance as top priorities.

Serving Every Corner of Texas

From the oilfields of Midland to the ports of Houston and the deserts of El Paso, we cover every region with full permit support, insured drivers, and freight solutions for heavy haul, flatbed, and hot shot trucking.

Trailer Types Offered by American Heavy Haul

We provide every major trailer type used in the U.S. heavy haul and oversize freight industry. Each trailer is selected based on your load dimensions, weight, route, and safety requirements.

Flatbed Trailers

Open-deck trailers designed for a wide mix of industrial freight including machinery, pallets, steel, pipe, and building materials.

Standard deck length: 48–53 ft
Typical capacity: up to ~48,000–50,000 lbs
No sides or roof for easy crane and side loading
Supports chains, binders, straps, and full tarping
Ideal for long, wide, or odd-shaped freight
Strong nationwide availability for fast dispatch

Best for: palletized loads, lumber, steel, machinery.

Step Deck Trailers

Trailers with a lower main deck behind the step that provide extra height clearance for taller machines and equipment.

Overall length: 48–53 ft common
Lower deck height: ~36–42 inches
Upper deck for pallets and smaller items
Allows taller freight without special permits in many cases
Safer for top-heavy or tall equipment than standard flatbeds
Compatible with ramps and dock loading in many yards

Best for: tractors, loaders, farm and construction gear.

Double Drop Deck

Specialized trailers with a deep center “well” that rides very low to move extremely tall freight within legal or permitted height limits.

Center well length: often 25–30 ft
Well deck height: around 18–24 inches
Front and rear decks raised for axle clearance
Ideal for freight that cannot be disassembled
Helps reduce bridge and overhead clearance issues
Common in heavy industrial and project cargo moves

Best for: tall tanks, press frames, industrial modules.

RGN – Removable Gooseneck

Trailers with a detachable front neck so the deck can drop to the ground and form a ramp for loading heavy, self-driven equipment.

Front neck detaches for drive-on loading
Well lengths commonly 20–30 ft or longer
Available in 2–13 axle configurations
Handles very heavy, compact equipment
Low deck height to manage overall load height
Highly flexible for construction and mining machinery

Best for: dozers, cranes, scrapers, heavy wheeled units.

Lowboy Trailers

Heavy-duty low-deck trailers built to move tall and heavy construction or industrial machinery while managing clearance restrictions.

Very low deck height compared to flatbeds
Commonly rated for 40,000–80,000+ lbs, depending on axles
Multiple axle configurations for heavy freight
Supports crawlers, tracked units, and large wheeled machines
Often used with outriggers for wider equipment
Engineered to handle rough job-site conditions

Best for: excavators, dozers, large job-site equipment.

Landoll Trailers

Hydraulic sliding-axle trailers that tilt the deck to the ground for fast loading when docks, ramps, or forklifts are limited.

Deck can tilt and slide to ground level
Ideal for roll-on/roll-off loading
Often 48–53 ft in length
Handles mixed fleets, trucks, and equipment
Reduces need for separate ramps or loading docks
Great for recovery, relocation, and remarketing loads

Best for: trucks, buses, mixed small equipment fleets.

Extendable Flatbed

Telescoping flatbed trailers that stretch beyond standard length to legally move very long loads while controlling overhang.

Closed length often 48–53 ft
Extended length can exceed 70+ ft
Adjustable to match exact freight length
Helps comply with bridge and overhang rules
Designed for long, uniform freight pieces
Still offers open-deck loading flexibility

Best for: long beams, blades, pipes, structural steel.

Conestoga Curtain-Side

Flatbed-style trailers equipped with a rolling curtain system to protect freight from weather while keeping side-loading access.

Sliding curtain acts like a moving “van” wall
Deck size similar to standard flatbeds
Full weather protection without losing side access
Excellent for finished or painted products
Helps reduce risk of tarp damage and delays
Supports both forklift and crane loading

Best for: finished machinery, painted parts, sensitive freight.

Extendable RGN

Removable gooseneck trailers with stretchable wells that combine low deck height with extended length for unique industrial freight.

Closed well similar to standard RGN lengths
Extended well for long plant or process components
Maintains drive-on loading through detachable neck
Ideal for tall and long equipment combined
Helps reduce need for multiple separate shipments
Requires careful planning and experienced operators

Best for: long presses, plant components, specialized machinery.

Multi-Axle Heavy Haul

Engineered multi-axle trailers using jeeps, boosters, and dollies to spread extreme weight across more axles and protect infrastructure.

Custom 5–13+ axle configurations
Supports superload weights far above standard limits
Often requires route surveys and special permits
Configurable for bridge and road limitations
Used for large industrial, energy, and infrastructure cargo
Operated by highly experienced heavy haul carriers

Best for: superloads, extreme weight, and specialized projects.

Dry Van Trailers

Enclosed box trailers that keep freight protected from weather, theft, and road debris during transport.

Typical length: 48–53 ft
Fully enclosed with lockable doors
Ideal for boxed, crated, and palletized products
Multiple E-track or logistics post options inside
High cube options for extra volume capacity
Common in retail, manufacturing, and distribution freight

Best for: packaged goods, pallets, non-hazardous freight.

Hot Shot / Gooseneck

Smaller, pickup-pulled trailers for lighter freight and urgent deliveries that need to move quickly across regional or short-haul lanes.

Common deck lengths: 30–40+ ft
Lower GVW than full-size semi-trailers
Great for partials and less-than-truckload freight
Can access tighter locations than standard trucks
Frequently used for last-minute or rush projects
Flexible option for small machines and equipment

Best for: light machinery, partials, urgent freight.

Power Only Trucking

Tractor and driver services where American Heavy Haul hooks to your pre-loaded or customer-owned trailer and moves it to the next destination.

Supports dry vans, flatbeds, tankers, and specialty trailers
Ideal when you own the trailer but need a carrier
Available for regional or long-haul moves
Flexible scheduling for live loads or drop-and-hook
Reduces need to maintain your own driver pool
Helps reposition empty or loaded trailers efficiently

Best for: customer-owned trailers, mobile offices, specialized units.

Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles

Lead and chase vehicles that support oversize shipments with traffic control, height checks, and on-the-road safety communication.

Front and rear escorts for wide or long loads
Height-pole cars to check bridges and overheads
Two-way radios for constant contact with drivers
Required by many states for large oversize moves
Helps manage lane changes, turns, and merges
Improves overall safety for the public and the load

Best for: oversize loads requiring route protection and escorts.

American Heavy Haul & Logistics